The drug ractopamine is currently used in a large portion of the meat we all enjoy and it increases protein synthesis and decreases the overall fat content. The drug is fed to animals prior to slaughter. According to veterinarian Michael Fox, 20 percent of this drug remains in the meat bought from supermarkets.

While it is still available in the United States, ractopamine-tainted meat has been banned in use in food animals in 160 countries across Europe, mainland China and Taiwan due to its harmful effects.

This is only one of many foods eaten by Americans that are banned in other nations. Is this the reason why health standards are so low in comparison to other parts of the world?

Even popular drinks such as Mountain Dew or sports drinks are banned in Europe and Japan. They contain a synthetic chemical called brominated vegetable oil (BVO).

Despite the drinks being enjoyable and effective for bursts of energy, animal studies indicates that it causes reproductive and behavioral issues and in more serious cases; skin rashes, acne, loss of appetite, fatigue and irregular heartbeats.

Many breads that are served in restaurants or even a hot-dog off the street contain bromide, an additive commonly used in flours. Many commercial companies claim it’s for structural purposes in terms of the dough but farms successfully use unbromated flour without any difficulties.

Bromate flour has an overload of potassium bromate, which correlates with kidney and nervous system damage, thyroid problems, and cancer.

While it is still available in the United States, ractopamine-tainted meat has been banned in use in food animals in 160 countries across Europe, mainland China and Taiwan due to its harmful effects.

The lack of precautionary actions might pose questions about the food we consume and the consequences afterwards but there are other options for better health. One example is to ditch the processed foods from supermarkets and switch to organic and fresh foods from the local farmers market.

It’s all about understanding what you eat and where the food comes from. The food you eat affects your health, not anyone else’s, so ensure you are taking good care of your own self.